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EMEDIES FOR CERTAIN DEFECTS 



©ELI¥ERED BEFORE 



LYCEUMS OR INSTITUTES FOR EDUCATION 



'ORTSMOUTH AND EXETER, N. H. BALTIMORE AND ANNAPOLIS, Md. 
AND WASHINGTON, D. C. 



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S WASHINGTON, D. C. 

W. GREER, PRINTER, 

1842. 



ADDRESS 



On this occasion a few suggestions will be made with a view to aid in 
correcting some defects which exist among us in education. By education 
I mean the whole preparation for the duties and trials of life. Instruction 
in the broadest Sense — physical and moral no less than intellectual, is in- 
tended to be embraced. Nor should it be confined to youth, but be viewed 
as extending both its sphere and influence from the cradle to the grave. 

In order to cure defects it is desirable, in the outset, to understand tho- 
roughly their origin and character. Ours are believed to spring; chiefly 
from certain peculiarities in society and government in this country, some 
of which are very prominent. One of them is the more equal division of 
power and property among all. That generally produces a diffusion of 
common acquirements wider, or to a larger portion of the whole commu- 
nity. But, at the same time, it opens a door to greater imperfections in 
those acquirements, as well as in higher attainments. 

Another of these peculiarities is the increased freedom from restraint, al- 
most inseparable from institutions so popular in form as ours. . It is being 
left more to self-government ; and the natural consequences of it are a dis- 
cipline less strict and stronger self-confidence, bordering even on rashness 
at times, in business as well as all kinds of public action. Without detain- 
ing you at this time by a specification of further peculiarities, and without 
denying;, bin rather rejoicing that some advantages accompany these, such 
as tHiiit tendency to elevate, in the social circle, as well as in politics, the 
great mass of' society -to bend legislation throughout to the interests of all, 
rather than of particular classes or eminent individuals — to govern quite 
as much by public opinion as by magistrates, and to have experiments 
made in almost every thing, where improvement is possible ; yet it must 
be obvious that defects also, like those, before alluded to as the usual con- 
sequences of our peculiarities, are apt to follow from their prevalence. * 

These defects, even if mortifying; to self-love, it is more manly to con- 
fess and more American to cure, if practicable, than to attempt conceal- 
ment and evasion, or persist wantonly in error. Honesty and boldness 
to probe and expose them are the first steps. Then their correction, 
though difficult from the intimate ties between them and our political insti- 
tutions is, undoubtedly, to some extent feasible, and by all those who love 
and respect those* institutions, will be attempted in some mode not dan- 
gerous to their structure, nor hostile to the true spirit which pervades them. 
In my opinion this can be done by devoting greater attention to the means 
as well as character of education. Hence it is the duty of all, and we are 
to-night assembled here (I hope not in vain,) to contribute something to 
the wide efforts now making around us for the accomplishment of so lauda- 
ble an object. Mueh can be effected, by concentrating the energies of all 
to three prominent points. These are increased intelligence in the com- 
munity at large, to elevate, expand, and purify ; next a more thorough dis- 
cipline, or, in other words, training to follow implicitly the dictates of that 



intelligence; and after these, as difficulties arise too formidable for thorn to 
overcome, a more constant reliance on moral and christian principles for 
direction rather than on the blinder impulses of passion, prejudice, or appe- 
tite. Those more than any other instruments, can aid to form correct na- 
tional habits of thinking and action. Without advancement in the use 
of those agents, and more especially the first one ; it is hardly necessary, 
before such an audience, to occupy time in proving that the prospects of. 
humanity are always and every where shrouded with shadows, clouds ? 
and darkness. The body is but base matter, the mind but a blank, or de- 
voted merely to the coarsest animal wants. Man remains a savage ; so- 
ciety, a herd of beasts of prey ; and civilization, much less any important 
progress in arts, science, virtue, or political greatness, becomes utterly 
hopeless. 

It is, therefore, important to ascertain what are the most efficient methods 
of augmenting or advancing the power of some of the great agents before 
alluded to, and, at the same time, to illustrate as fully as the occasion may 
permit, the searching, wide, and all-pervading influence the whole of them 
are calculated to exert in the education and improvement of mankind. 

In respect to the first one, our course seems tobe plain. If it be asked, how 
we can promote, quickest and best, the information which should in early 
life be imparted to all, with a view to qualify them for the greatest future 
usefulness, or that information which is so indispensible in riper years, to 
enable us to decide judiciously in the thousand emergencies which arise 
under our systems of political self-government, and regulate better, in all 
pursuits, that ardent enterprise, which covers our whole country, not only 
with monuments of prosperous greatness, but, unfortunately, in too many 
places, with wrecks and ruin ? 

1 answer — by the press — by the press in all its various forms. In the 
front rank — books. These should be better compiled and less expensive. 
After these, a bold, intelligent, honest newspaper press. When of such a 
character, it becomes truly u a happy work,'' and more than "a map of 
busy life — its fluctuations and its vast concerns," because it does much to 
shape and control those concerns in every position and under every vicis- 
situde^ It carries intelligence and argument, wit, wisdom and contempo- 
rary history of all kinds to every hearth-stone, however remote or humble. 
Mingled with this, are doubtless some licentiousness and malignity as well 
as folly ; birt the useful is believed greatly to preponderate. 

Next, by a just and learned periodical press. 

I answer further, by having the school master more widely abroad, fitted 
not only to teach the " young idea how to shoot" but to train, expand, and 
mature it. 

I answer further still, by free schools, every where.- Open, in this man- 
ner, the " ample page" of knowledge, whenever and wherever an immortal 
soul exist?., that can be warmed into action by hopes of greater wealth, 
honour, fame, or usefulness to mankind. In brief, beginning with the 
press, do not end with it, till all its forms are exhausted, all its instruments 
tried, all its avenues explored, and its whole powers of every kind improved. 

In diffusing its productions wide, go to the cottage as soon as the palace. 
Seek out the real log-cabins of a wilderness frontier. Explore the dens of 
poverty and crime in the crowded city. Enter even the cells of the peni- 
tentiary. The mission is to all. Make it more effective too by bringing 



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knowledge more readily within the reach of all, through successful efforts 
to diminish its expense. Lessening the cost of printing is the most impor- 
tant step towards this result; and hence > we should specially encourage 
m it labour-saving machinery and steam power, with all their civilizing 
wonders to enlighten as well as enrich mankind. 

Print, if possible, beyond even the thirty sheets by a steam press, now 
executed in the time one was formerly struck off. Go also beyond the 
present gain in their distribution over much of the world by improvements 
in the locomotive and the steamboat so as to accomplish like results at far 
less than the former cost. Promote the discovery of still further materials 
than rags, bark, or straw for the wonderful fabric of paper, — used, not 
merely as the ornament of our drawing rooms, the preserver of history — 
the organ of intercource between both distant places and distant ages, the 
medium of business, the evidence of property, the record of legislation, and 
in all ranks, the faithful messenger of thought and affection ; but above all 
the universal instrument of instruction. Reduce still further, by new 
inventions, the already low price of manufacturing paper. Render types 
also cheaper as well as more durable. And, in short, set no boundaries and 
prostrate all barriers whatever to the enterprise of the human mind in de- 
vising greater facilities for its own progress. Next to these considerations 
new means might well be adopted to improve the quality of those books 
which are in most common use. This could be accomplished by greater 
attention to their practical tendency and suitableness to the times in which 
we live, and the public wants which exist under our peculiar institutions, 
whether social or political. The highest intellects might beneficially de- 
scend at times to labour 'in writing for the humblest spheres of letters 
and life. In cases of long and obvious deficiencies in books, designed for 
particular brandies of instruction, boards of education might well confer 
premiums for better compilations. Such boards might also, with advan- 
tage, strive to multiply institutions, particularly intended to prepare more 
efficient teachers, female as well as male. In short, the fountains must al- 
ways be watched, in order to ensure pure streams ; and the.dew, which 
descends nightly on every object, and in all places however lowly, is more 
useful than a single shower confined to a limited range of country. We 
must take paternal care of the elements on which all at first feed ; and if 
in these modes we seek with earnestness the improvement of the many., 
we help to protect the property and persons of the favoured few as much 
as we elevate the character and conduct of all situated in the more retired 
walks of society. There is another powerful motive for exertion, even by 
the higher classes, to advance the better education of the masses. It is 
this — the wealthy for instance can clearly foresee, that, by the revolutions 
of fortune's wheel, their own children, or grand children are in time likely 
to become indigent, so as to be the immediate recipients of favour under 
any system of free education, and thus may be assisted to attain once more 
rank and riches. Nor should the talented be parsimonious in like efforts, 
because a degeneracy of intellect, not unusual after high developments in 
a family, may plunge their posterity into ignorance and want, where some 
untaught Addison or " mute inglorious Milton" might, after a few genera : 
tions, re-appear, but never instruct or delight the age, unless assisted at 
first by opportunities and means furnished through a system like this. All 
which is thus bestowed will likewise prove not only an inheritance for 



same of the offspring of the fa roared classes ; but a more durable one thafi 
most of those honors and riches, endeavoured so often, but fruitlessly, to be 
transmitted. It is true, that vicissitudes seem impressed on almost every 
thing human — painful, heart-rending vicissitudes,— which the fortunate 
dread, and would mitigate, if not able to avert. But they belong less to 
systems than to families or individuals, and can be obviated best by per- 
manent plans to spread stores of intellectual wealth, constantly and freely 
around all. Indeed, an expenditure of this kind must, in oiiiv view, make 
even selfishness liberal, as in. no way could refined self-love form so endur- 
ing a hoard or treasure, to benefit its posterity and name, as by contributing 
to build up, enlarge, or, in any way, improve a system of education, 
which may found the fortunes and glory of some' of that very posterity, 
when become impoverished j- and for whose grandeur so many toils may 
have been otherwise lavished in vain. It is the safest investment of funds,. 
because it can never fail to do good, even to our own. till all the laws of 
the social system fail ; and because it rests not on the strength of seals, or the 
wealth of sureties • but on the great foundations of nature, civilization, 
philosophy, and the interests of millions in successive generations to sus- 
tain it. Another important consideration is, that under such an aspect 
of the subject, the high and the low will always feel less of either prejudice 
or envy towards each other. The former will, in the latter class see the 
persons or the parents of those who are destined ere long, by free and 
useful education, under our popular forms of government, to influence-,, 
adorn and govern society. On the contrary, the poor will in the wealthy 
and honoured see, not what is unattainable or unapproachable by them, as 
might be the case under different institutions and teachings, but the more 
desirable fortunes, which, in the true philosophy of our political system 
must, as deserved earnings or brilliant prizes, await, ere long, the superior 
industry, intelligent, and cautions enterprize and well regulated morals 
either of themselves or the children they love. 

Both must in this view more justly appreciate the importance to each 
other of the exertions now commended ; and. more especially, must the 
humble in life look favourably on the possession of wealth and honours as a 
system, rather than consider them unjust or odious, as is the disheartening 
view which has so often prevailed under different institutions to the distur- 
bance of the public peace and the destruction of all general improvement. 

When, therefore, ail are properly informed, the distinctions in society as 
to office and its balanced protection of property as well as person will ap- 
pear as full of encouragement to the poor and lowly, in anticipation, as 
they are to the rich and high in fruition. 

Another powerful instrument to promote this object, of increased infor- 
mation among all classes, is the wider extension of commerce. Commerce 
teaches often, by example, even more effectually than books do by precept. 
Whether foreign or domestic, it is, whenever easy, frequent and active, 
calculated to pour a flood of light into the human mind, on almost every 
subject ; and to strike it with the more force, as it is light from practice — 
light from actual experiment — light from living and embodied excellence 
— No matter whether the defects in our education relate to politics, religion, 
literature, the sciences, or the arts — in all of them, precept, compared witb 
example, is uncertainty and doubt, compared with reality. Example is 
theory verified, and therefore when seen by travel or commerce, as new 






example often is, it becomes more convincing than the strongest argument. 
Hence the proverbial advantages arising irom good companions and foreign 
travel. 

These considerations, on a broader scale, apply to nations, as well as in- 
dividuals; and each nation by free commerce within itself, makes the me- 
rits of every part better known to the rest and enables every part to profit 
by the excellencies of the whole. Following out the same analogies we 
can see that, through a liberal commercial intercourse — not only each na- 
tion, but every continent and the globe itself can derive from all portions 
some useful hints — some useful customs — some useful arts or useful laws. 
Frequently what otherwise would to foreigners be born " to waste its fra- 
grance on the desert air, ; ' thus becomes known and beneficial to all. Again 
commerce, free and unshackled, supplies wants, comforts, and luxuries,, 
whether to the savage or civilized, and whether near at hand or at the an- 
tipodes ; and, in this way, by rendering the surplus productions of ail 
countries more valuable in exchange, it helps to excite, encourage and 
reward the very highest exertions of both body and mind. It thus aids to 
educate all in most important particulars. It rouses industry in the indo- 
lent ; animates the torpid to enterprise ; expands the views of the recluse : 
civilizes the roughest, and inspires rivalship in the most sluggish. It as- 
sists to propagate new opinions and a new faith, under both the equator 
and the poles ; fertilizes every region not covered with eternal snows ; and 
pushing human improvement in all its varied forms, penetrates remotest 
seas, and crosses the Andes, the Alps, and the Himrnalayan, almost as 
daringly as the Alleghenies. The moderns have hardly done justice to 
former ages hi relation to their immense inland trade, enlightening and 
civilizing wherever it spread — whether up the Nile from Bg'ypt, or into 
the remotest Ind from Tyre, and thence from Carthage to distant Britain, 
and in time over-reaching the Atlantides, discovering, under the more ad- 
venturous Genoese, a new continent, and gradually pervading the whole 
Western hemisphere. 

The moderns have, to be sure, since entered the farthest isles of the Pa- 
cific, and are exploring the ice of both Poles ; but it is probable they at last 
must sigh that there are no more worlds to find and civilize which are 
worth the search. 

One illustration of the enterprize and edncating character of commerce, 
when free, has recently come under my own eye, that may not be without, 
interest to you, in connection with this topic. 

Daring the last autumn in a small town in the interior of Massachusetts, 
f found American lead, which had been dug-, partly by Yankee indnstry 
and adventure in the remote wilderness of Wisconsin or Missouri. The 
same industry and adventure had not only helped to dig, but had trans- 
ported it through the active channels of commerce, a circuit of more than 
two thousand miles from the mighty West to the rocky East. ; and that on 
routes unknown but a few years ago to any thing but the fearless hunter. 
or the birchen canoe. Fed partly by meat from the same distant source, 
and corn from the South, and flour from the Middle States (fruits of the 
same commercial enterprise) they were zealously occupied in making this 
lead into water pipes for operations still more distant, and not a little extra- 
ordinary. 

What, think you, was to be one of their principal markets? Some of 



this lead was manufacturing by special order, to be freighted again, under 
the same Yankee perseverance, not merely two thousand miles, but nearly 
half the circumference of the globe. It was to double the stormy Cape 
Horn — twice cross the Equator, and find its pathless way over new sea» 
into the remote Sandwich islands. And for what use 1 

To advance again, as a labour-saving machine, the commercial interests 
of the same spirit, which had untiringly explored the forests, whence ther 
raw material was obtained. It was in the form of pipes, to conduct water 
more cheaply and conveniently on board our whale ships,, which with 
others resort so frequently to those islands for their necessary supplies. 
The mode of paying for it evinces with perhaps greater strength the in- 
structive influence of commerce. It was to be paid for by taking in ex- 
change, partly sugar, cotton, and oil, the products of new native labour and 
skill among a people not long before (scarce two-thirds of a century) bar- 
barous in the extreme, and murdering the immortal navigator who first 
discovered and blessed them with some elements of civilization. But now, 
under the teaching and stimulants of commerce —transporting thither, as 
every where else over the whole habitable globe — the new sense of duty^in- 
spired by the religion of the Oross,they are advanced somewhat in letters. agri- 
culture and the arts, as well as engaging considerably in commerce itself. 

Another influence of free commerce on the education of a people 
has been to confer increased value on all other kinds of labour, and thus 
develope more mental activity and vigour as welt as carefulness, toil, and 
perseverance in their pursuit. Thus one nation may be more agricultural, 
or more manufacturing, but it is commerce either from abroad or at home, 
which alone can secure a high degree of prosperity to either of those great 
branches of industry. For by that they are principally stimulated and 
increased so as to furnish the chief materials for trade, as that alone gives 
to those materials, when beyond what the meagre necessities of life demand 
their principal value. It thus encourages their extensive production ; thus 
animates the mind to new discoveries and useful inventions for. their pro- 
gress, and helps to improve all the arts and skill by which they attain any 
high degree of excellence. Destroy commerce, and most of what now po- 
lishes, adorns, or enriches, as well as enlightens the world, would degenerate 
into mere exertion for daily existence. Without its talismanic power, the 
plough would almost sleep in the furrough ; the shuttle in the loom. The 
labour-saving machine would be inanimate and as useless as the mighty 
pillar of stone in its native quarry, before moulded under the powers of art 
into the splendid edifice — the colossal bridge — the lofty aqueduct or the 
heroic column. And even the wontlerous machinery of steam would be 
dead wood and iron, uneducated by the stimulants of commerce to be al- 
most instinct with life, and destined probably to revolutionize the world. 
There might, to be sure, without commerce be some separate pieces of the 
vast chain of civilization, but no connecting link, to impart strength and 
usefulness to the whole. Man would, of course, still exist, but he would 
rather vegetate than live. He would resemble the oyster more than that 
glorious being akin to angels and described by Shakespeare as " so noble 
in reason" and so "infinite in faculties." The mind, in such a torpid, un- 
educated, unexcited, unrepaired condition, as exists without commerce, is 
like a house without inhabitants, or a stream studded with busy manufac- 
tories become abandoned, and thus ere long converted into desolate ruins 



and stagnant pools. The intellect deteriorates, as the thronged city, when 
deserted and nnvisited by the hum of commerce. Its streets, soon become 
covered with grass and even forests ; its market places, choked up with 
rubbish — its warehouses, crumbled under cobwebs and moss into moulder- 
ing dust, and, in time, through mere abandonment, scarcely one stone left 
on another of its gorgeous mansions any more than if some Attilla had pass- 
ed over them the ploughshare of Vandal conquest. 

How many men, in more advanced life, become in this way, by mere in- 
action, the ruined Thebes and Balbecs of what they once were? their 
minds by neglect alone a wilderness that has uprooted every thing beauti- 
ful or great. They seem full ot mutilated statuary, fallen temples, over- 
turned walls, like the mysterious sites of Copan or Uxmal in the central 
portions of our own continent. 

Usefully there may perhaps be some cloistered seclusion for religious 
meditation or solitude for literary researches and philosophical experiment, 
when those are thus pursued, not in torpor, but animated by motives the 
most ardent, and encouraged by eager intentions of maturing what will 
prove good; and the results, ere lon^, to be ushered to an applauding 
world, tiie more perfect, as less interrupted by other avocations. But, as a 
general rule, shut up" a hermit in his cell or a victim of state in some Bas- 
tile; and allow to neither, books, companions, or employment; and the 
process of education, thus suspended, and both of them virtually without 
intellectual commerce, they would not merely halt in improvement, but 
degenerate, and, ere long, lose even the power of speech itself; or talk, an 
unintelligible tongue. Indeed, without regard to peculiar exceptions, in- 
active seclusion in man, or a non-intercourse with his race, leads to death. 
It is its symbol and companion as well as cause. Fortunately it is an inex- 
orable law of our nature, and one of its great teachers, that to fulfil his 
high destiny, man must be social, and at the same time active. " By cease- 
less action all that is, exists." The commercial spirit does most towards 
this, because it is the most restless, vivifying, adventurous, and busy of any 
which agitates society. Commercial intercourse, also obliterates prejudices 
as well as furnishes new suggestions and excitements, new longings and 
desires. Collision stimulates. Experience hardens. They all prevent 
mould and moth, as well as rust. Besides this, commerce is both ever 
growing, and ever improving. We often see that the exercise of one fa- 
culty, one sense, or one limb increases its activity and power. So the 
public mind, as a whole in any country, when more awakened and exer- 
cised by a series of new objects or examples in commerce, augments in 
freshness and ardour no less than vigour and keenness, till the wider dif- 
fusion and higher perfection of knowledge among all are produced, 
and in turn produce a people distinguished in every quarter of the globe, 
and push forward a few to such exalted acquirements as to become states- 
men, lawgivers and philosophers little below demi-gods in history and 
power. Men are thus educated to be liberal, likewise, as well as elevated. 
Novel and bold opinions in politics or religion soon cease to be contraband 
articles in the enlarged intercourse between nations. Restrictions on efforts 
by others or on fair competition of any kind are gradually prostrated. 

Prohibitory laws as to trade — colonial vassalage in business, severe penalties 
against- !Ve( j snterprize and free industry — onerous taxes or burthens on either 
exports or i .pnis — harshness to foreigners — Chinese exclusion — Japanese in- 



10 

tolerance — barbarous prejudices against strangers — all are in time softened down, 
and must be dispelled by the magic wand of commerce. If luxury or volup- 
tuous manners are sometimes promoted by it, which is not improbable, it is only 
the occasional evil, often inseparable from the permanent good ; and injures it 
little bore than the spots on the face of the sun obscure its light to us, or lessen 
its refulgent glories to the whole solar system. 

How greatly the influence of commerce in this and many other respects is to 
be extended by the use of steam, i* an enigma, which time only can solve. 

In the " art of all arts'" that of printing, its improvements bearing so closely 
on education, may quite equal in time the wonderful influence of the great dis- 
covery of printing itself — a discovery which, thus aided, is destined more than 
any other to become a safeguard to prevent the world again, in any region, from 
rebarbarizing. It will probably save (rom a second destruction much of his- 
tory, many arts — chemistry, and perhaps steam itself, which may once, 
have been understood, and disappeared with those learned and priestly or- 
ders, with whom knowledge of all kinds formerly existed in the greatest perfec- 
tion. Some of the sciences, even with them, were mysteries, and may never be 
developed again, but by new inventions or difficult solutions of what is concealed 
under hieroglyphics, painting and sculpture. But if general education, on all 
practical subjects had, in antiquity, been aided by the multiplying and preserv- 
ing power of the press, strengthened as it now is by commerce and steam, 
though it still might have been possible for ambition to have desolated a Palmyra 
orPalenque, and transferred the seat of empire from Carthage to Rome, or Tyre 
to Alexandria, yet it would not have been possible to extirpate centuries of his- 
tory with numerous arts, nor sink the discovery and peopling of new continents 
into a fable, or veil them and many other matters of intense interest as to the 
progress and origin of our race in darkness, yet impenetrable. To destroy at 
this time the records of any improvements and glories, as they are so universally 
diffused and variously preserved, we must destroy every civilized people, and 
ail the countless printed memorials of mankind. 

I would next ask, in remedying some of the defects as to intelligence in the 
education of the many for more practical objects and tendencies in all our efforts. 
This would increase their efficiency, and hasten rapidly the reformation and ad- 
vancement of the masses. 

Commerce, whose influence we have just been considering, possesses more 
of this character than books. But beside the aid of that in a practical view, it 
is important to give tu books also, and to instruction of every kind, as well as 
all mental occupations a stronger direction towards what may be immediately 
useful in the scenes of real life. These results are to be kept more steadily in 
sight, rather than what is abstract or only embellishment. 

This conviction does not arise from a belief that ornamental literature or ab- 
struse researches are useless. On the contrary, refinement and polish have their 
value in proper places and for proper purposes; and reasoning, like Newton's or 
Watt's can sometimes make discoveries in science the most beneficial. But the mid- 
dling and labouring classes, who constitute an immense majority of our population, 
can possess very little leisure beyond the application of important truths, to 
the more urgent wants of daily business. Let those truths then be rendered 
accessible to all, and in language the most pure and plain to all ; but seek not 
to have all engrossed in fathoming difficult questions, or polishing style and man- 
ners. Scientific discoveries must be made more familiar — lyceums and insti- 
tutes be multiplied and most assiduously labour for practical ends, and, indeed, 
nothing valuable in nature or art be known, which shall exist entirely in vain for 
the masses. But let the fruit be presented to them without the shell, and 
let all be open, direct, clear, and lucid, if possible, to the humblest intellect. 
Thus you give useful conclusions to those who have not time to strip off the 



11 

iiusn and comprehend causes, and processes, or details ; and thus all kinds of 
knowledge "will be made to minister in some degree to the practical improve- 
ment of all; and the reproaches cast on ornamental as well as abstruse studies 
will in no respect be deserved. Life then will seldomer be spent in Utopian 
dreams or the chase of mere bubbles. Nor will the learning of ages be buried 
in mystic symbols, or be banished from active pursuits and entombed in cloisters. 

By practical objects, I do not mean the mere accumulation of food and cloth- 
ing. So far from it, the cultivation of the mind and heart for moral and social 
enjoyment, can hardly be deemed secondary in importance to the securing of 
subsistence. Without it, existence becomes little beyond naked slavery. Both 
should be inseparable, as nature and experience show them to be mest useful 
handmaids to each other. Physical labour to lay the foundation of subsistence, 
mental labor to secure it. Physical labor to increase wealth, and ensure health ; 
mental, to guard liberty — sustain equal rights, and embellish life. Both, united, 
make a race of men raiher than dwarfs — vigorous as well as " high-mind- 
ed men ;" and when accompanied by sound moral teaching — as they should 
be — no virtue is too gentle, nor any affection too pure, no accomplishment so 
high, nor any loveliness so surpassing as not to flourish in their company, and 
even derive new grace from their influence. Why should either of them ever 
be regarded as derogatory? Even royalty has at times considered labour a 
royal virtue. 

Without stopping to enumerate in the highest ranks, many eminent ex- 
amples of even manual toil, which have adorned both -ancient and modern 
history, from Cincinnatus at his plough to Peter the Great in his work shop, 
it may be observed generally, j,hat no efforts should be spared by those 
possessing sound intelligence, and true moral courage to make physical labor, 
especially among a people like ours, be regarded, as it really is, honourable no 
less than useful. The " Lords of the soil" are with us real sovereigns in worth 
as well as political power. They have been called " the true nobility of God." 
They certainly, as a class, yield in morals, and in advantages bestowed to no 
lords of stars and garters ; and the latter, every where must learn to pay to all 
honest toil, due homage. 

Instead of a morbid aversion, dislike or neglect of it they will, if enlight- 
ened, seek to elevate rather than depress it; to make it both deserve and pos- 
sess a more equal rank — to refine its tastes — to combine science more with 
its pursuits, and impart the true dignity of feeling which belongs to the inde- 
pendence and usefulness of its position. It is one of the characteristics of 
the present age that the working classes are becoming, as they should 
be, more conscious of their power, and when it is wisely exerted as this in- 
creased and better instruction will make easier and more probable, well may 
they be encouraged to feel proud of the benefits they confer on society as its 
foundation stone. Hence far seeing prudence will never fail in all possible 
modes to enlarge their intellectual visisn, and purify their tastes. Industry in all 
as well as them should be rendered more attractive by additional rewards asso- 
ciated with it; and, in fine, all be harmonized belter, by levelling more, though 
not through pulling down, but by raising up in intelligence, manners and moral 
what otherwise might be low. 

Thus the whole can be benefitted, and may be enabled to escape scorn or 
neglect, merely for occupations, that are not in themselves disreputable, but 
which sprung originally from the nature and destiny of man, and on which not only 
the comforts, but even the existenr-e of most of his race still depend. 

I will not enter here into the details of that kind of primary education, which may 
best promote the principle of uniting manual and mental labour, so as to in- 
crease most the energies and usefulness of a community like ours. Many plans have 



12 

been devised to advance this object, and to impart a more practical turn to all kinds 
of instruction^ from Pestalozzi's system down to Patridge's, and even more 
recent establishments. Rut, on this occasion, T can advert only to the 
general objects to be attained, and the general modes of proceeding. In connec- 
tion with these it affords me pleasure to notice a resolution of the Legislature 
of my native State, about seven years since, which enforces strongly the views 
already expressed. The substance of it was that "while we view it as desirable, 
that a greater proportion of our youth should be nurtured in these nurseries of 
science (high schools, academies and seminaries of learning) we do hereby recom- 
mend to all such institutions, to adopt, as far as possible, the manual labour or 
self-supporting system, uniting bodily vigour and mental improvement, thereby 
extending to the poor as well as the rich the united advantages of physical and 
intellectual cultivation.'' Thus is it you can procure, what the ancients deemed 
the greatest desideratum, not only the sound and healthy mind, but a sound mind 
in a sound body — mens sana in corpore sano. 

Many of our pale sons, who yearly fly in vain, for recovery to the still further 
sunny South, with bodies emaciated and constitutions broken, by too intense 
study, would then be rescued in season and invigorated by occasional labour, for 
further application and future usefulness. 

They would not, and should not be trained as if designed to become mere 
boxers or gladiators; but be educated as men, for real practical life, by liberal 
studies, to be sure, cultivated tastes and useful scientific acquirements, yet inter- 
mingled with proper experiments, and such exercises as those at the plough or 
the work-bench. These would, at one and the same time, harden the constitu- 
tion, recreate as well as strengthen for more vigorous study — instruct the mind 
in much of both nature and art, and qualify the individual to procure an honest 
livelihood, by manual labour, if ever becoming either necessary or agreeable." 
A. few weeks since, I met with a mere temporary seminary among the moun- 
tains in the interior of New Hampshire, which evinced not only the increasing 
desire among the people at large to improve their minds, but the enterprize and 
vigour, as well as physical labour, with which they voluntarily seek it. Not 
content with what is to be procured at our free schools, located in every district 
in the smallest town, and unable under a cold sky and on a hard soil, to buy in all 
cases the higher information, so well communicated at our numerous endowed 
academies, something more than one hundred and twenty pupils were there col- 
lected together. They came mostly from the farm-houses within a circle of ten 
or twenty miles. They consisted of nearly equal proportions of the two sexes, 
and were more advanced in life than is usual at academies, and having procured 
an able instructer, who had been publicly educated, they were diligently profiting 
by his lectures and teaching in school hours. Out of these hours, they were 
working in some cases towards defraying the expenses of their board. In other 
cases they hired rooms at a low rate, in the neighbouring village, brought the 
raw materials from home for food, and prepared them, themselves, with a pru- 
dence, perseverance, shrewdness and energy that must ere long push many of 
them into great respectability at home, or wealth and honour at a distance. It is 
true, that instances of this kind do not in their exterior possess much of poetry or 
romance, to commend them ; nor do they sound attractively to ears of mere 
fashion ; nor tend to gratify and enchant fastidious taste, or fascinate the fancy. 
But they often contain great depth of 'feeling, below the surface; and, at times, 
are accompanied by all the genuine enthusiasm of genius — by chivalrous sacri- 
fices, and efforts truly heroic. They disclose the right spirit, to be encouraged 
for the improvement of mankind at large. These humbler scenes are, likewise, 
most open to exertion and will best reward it. Their inmates, duly encouraged 
and animated, infuse new blood into the body politic, and help to avert the leprosy 



13 

and gangrene of sloth, effeminacy, luxury, and putrifying excesses of every kind. 
Their inriuences are to make the sleeping awake — the dead, live. 

Seminaries of this character are better than gymnasiums: because they more 
resemble real life in miniature. They sharpen the mental faculties as well as 
preserve health. They combine action and thinking — practice and theory, and 
at the same time make persons think, reason and understand for practical use- 
rather than to feed the imagination or load the memory. They exhibit more 
students, who feel, as all ought to feel, the importance of a thorough mastery of 
what they learn; and this is one of the secrets, why they voluntarily make such 
great sacrifices and efforts to improve. Such a motive is electrifying. They 
labour con amore ; are in earnest and even vehement, rather than toiling at irk- 
some tasks, or seeking some temporary relief from the ennui of abundance and 
idleness. Such renovating measures are also the more to be encouraged, they 
accord so well with the practical condition of our state of society. Instead of 
long and uninterrupted hereditary rank, or great entailed riches, descending 
through a thousand generations, most of our men in office and affluence rise to 
distinction from the abodes of manual labour ■, and they, or their children, often 
descend again to the toils of agriculture or of a profession. Our peculiar form 
of government, opening the avenue of the highest honours to all — our peculiar 
laws, admitting all equally to acquire and transmit property — protecting the cha- 
racter and rights of all to a like extent — excluding none from professions, how 
ever respectable — pursuits however difficult, or citizenship however valuable — 
all these combine with the habits and modes of thinking, most prevalent among 
us, to give a more practical turn to exertion in every thing, and to require it espe- 
cially in most of our public objects and public efforts. They tend, likewise, as they 
should, to destroy exclusive privileges as well as monopolies of all kinds. No 
one trade or profession is of itself entitled, above others, to wealth or distinction. 
There is no royal road to those here. 

If a century ago, it was a just remark, in a monarchy that — " Honour and 
shame from no condition rise," — how much more so is it now and here, amidst 
the prostration Of all ranks and the thousand tendencies in our political constitu- 
tions, our legislation, social habits, and systems of education, to elevate and en- 
noble every one in every sphere, who may deserve it. Some of this policy came 
hither with our Pilgrim Fathers. But additions to it have grown up in the last 
two centuries of mental conflict both here and abroad — fruits of freer research, 
more liberal experiment and successful revolutions. They brought the moral 
strength and martyr zeal, with decision of character and courage, for any species 
of danger — and with these the iron will to persevere through hosts of difficulties. 
Besides being thus braced for the severest trials, they possessed enterprize un- 
bounded, as well as a self-teaching and enlightening spirit — strong with assurance 
of their future prosperous fortunes. But we have had two hundred years more of 
experience to profit by — ten generations more of the working of free principles to 
develope their excellencies — new revolutions, not ouly in government, but in 
modes of thinking and acting among the masses, and a larger liberty and bolder 
impulses given to the rights of man every where. To be sure, under the occa- 
sional errors, mingled with these, some may at times have feared for their ultimate 
triumph. And when slight revulsions come, or excesses or backsliding, and 
even desertions in the great cause of human improvement — we may, for a mo- 
ment, suffer some misgiving. But there is no ground for dismay or despondency. 
Society, as a whole is onward in its march. The necessaries of life are much 
more ample. Its comforts are wider diffused. Knowledge pervades more 
the whole and in a higher degree. Public opinion has a loftier tone — is less 
craven or fawning, and is deeper and wider felt in both literature and science no 
less than politics. Morals, if no purer than among the Puritans, in some classes, 



14 

are better in others and all are less stern in manners, less exclusive or bicrotted, 
and more earnestly co-operating together in the great ameliorating movements of 
the age. 

Political power is also more completely in the grasp, and under the con- 
trol, as it should be, of those for whose welfare it chiefly exists. The people 
at large, if less self-denying, cower less to persons in authority ; are more intre- 
pid for equal rights; rank higher individually; and in religious toleration have 
taken vast strides. Men are not now to be convinced by penal laws, by tests, dis- 
franchisement, or transportation. Much less are they to bo enlightened by 
the torch, converted by inquisitions, or satisfied of the truth by dungeons and 
the bayonet. Yet it must be confessed, that though this age has, by other more 
rational courses, become an age of great practical progress, we do not anticipate- 
early perfection any where : but rather that this progress will — by greater care 
in education, be more steady, if not more rapid; and will accomplish much 
more, in the history of the human race in coming time, to gladden the hopes 
of sound philosophy, as well as far-reaching statesmanship and Christian faith. 
Among us, for instance, there must still continue to be youth, maturity and old 
age, with individuals, aud even States. But both may be rendered more purs.', 
more refined, powerful and good, as well as great. There must also continue 
to be misfortunes and accidents, drawbacks and disappointments — even vices 
and crimes — with nations, as with single citizens, — till humanity itself ceases, 
or is changed in its whole nature and character. But man can be schooled to 
stricter virtue — can be better instructed to breast and brave difficulties — can be 
endowed with more energy and wisdom to endure them, — and can be more en- 
couraged, elevated and strengthened, to triumph over all the obstacles of birth 
or fortune. 

How much oftener, then, aided by this practical policy and more enlightened 
condition of the masses, may the peasant boy from the mountains become the 
city millionaire? — how much easier, under such a system of universal educa- 
tion, universal freedom, and universal privileges, may even the orphan asylum 
of the populous mart of commerce send out, from among its forsaken inmates. 
one thus rescued from ignorance, and ignominy, and want — .vho is destined 
to> wear the ermine of justice in the highest judicial tribunals of the land ? — Or 
the drayman see his son command the "applause of listening Senates;" or so 
worthily conduct himself in various ways, as to " read his history in a nation's 
eyes." But the most humble and down-trodden in rank, even when remaining 
in their original occupations, undeserted, if followed with more practical intel- 
ligence and zeal, what influence and respectability will at times repay their 
persevering care and integrity. Why ? Because it is the man, if talented, as- 
piring, improving — it is the immortal man, and not his birth or pursuit, which 
often imparts dignity to all stations; and like Epaminondas at Thebes, makes 
an employment before despised, an object of future and enviable ambition. — 
The smith at the anvil is this man, as much as the monarch on his throne. He 
has the senses, intellect, the rights, the passions, the sympathies, the soul, as 
well as the wants of other human beings. In and of himself he is second only 
to God or angels. The higher then, the more practically he is informed and 
educated, as an individual, the higher must be the power of many such, 
united in society or government. In a political view, then, as well as social, 
how vastly important it thus becomes to remedy any defect in the instruction of the 
masses ? How wise to excite their most ardent exertions, and develope fully all 
their faculties ; and above even this, to furnish good and ample intelligence to 
guide and cdntrol them ? 

In this way, many rash experiments in trade would have been averted, or 
turned to better account; many unprofitable undertakings in the arts avoided — 



15 

many reckless speculations in manufactures rendered more thrifty, if not shun- 
ned. How much of the insubordination, as well as aggressions, which have 
afflicted society, could also, thus have been prevented ; how many ill-digested 
schemes in legislation, better matured ; how many ruinous attempts in measures 
connected with political economy, stifled ? 

Let the Press, then, in its various ramifications — schools of all kinds — lec- 
tures commerce — practical experiments, — let reasoning and action of every 

description, be concentrated to improve more the masses; and then, certainly, 
much can, in time, be accomplished towards remedying those defects in edu- 
cation, which our peculiar forms of government and condition of society tend 
to produce; and which, let me solemnly warn you — unless due exertion is 
used to the contrary — they will most assuredly perpetuate. 

But when we have done all which is possible in these modes to communi- 
cate, more and better information, there is another auxiliary remedy for 
those defects, which is entitled to the most considerate attention. It is Discip- 

]j ne it is stricter training — it is more system in action as well as thought. It is to 

form the custom to do what we approve — to enforce habitually in conduct, 
what we commend in theory. It is not merely to inform well, but to act well ; 
and make others act well. In brief, it is practice, no less than preaching. 

Knowino- what is right, is, to be sure, one step, and a very important one, to- 
wards doing right. There is a beauty in truth, in justice, and virtue — in fine, 
a loveliness in excellence of all kinds, which, when understood and clearly 
seen, attracts most beholders. First comes approbation, then esteem, next ad- 
miration, and lastly, imitation. In a like manner, ignorance and wrong are 
often repulsive. Indeed, Vice is at times — 

A monster of such hideous mien, 



As to be hated needs but to be seen." 

Exception?, however, occur. Delusions prevail, which knowledge alone, is 
occasionally weak to resist, or siow to overcome : because the error is often 
disguised, an 1 the poisonous opinion gilded, — while man, at thesaine time, is 
not only proverbially frail, but surrounded with every kind of temptation. He 
wants, therefore, no less the firmness and habit to pursue the right, than the 
intelligence to distinguish it from error. Such a habit is the faithful Achates to 
sound principle, its strongest friend. When well formed, it furnishes almost a 
new faculty. Our fathers well understood this ; and much more I fear than we, 
venerated what Cowper terms, " a sage call'd Discipline." Then he dwelt more, 
not only in schools and colleges, but at the domestic fireside. There was more 
personal attention by superiors and the aged, — as well as more reverence, af- 
fection and obedience, by the young and the dependent. Indulgence, when 
permitted, was then not so irregular; but guided more by rules and principles. 
It was less the child of impulse, because regulated by discipline. No " palsy 
struck bis arm," so that "study languished, emulation slept, and virtue fled." 
On the contrary, discipline was encouraged more, not only in those places, but 
in halls of justice — more in legislative assemblies — more in armies and na- 
vies, — and more, it is believed, in society at large. To be sure, it may be less 
needed where intelligence is greater and growing. But it is useful every where, 
and experience shows that in this country there exists more danger from in- 
creased laxity, than from any excess of austerity. Under institutions like ours, 
the weak side will always be too little of system or strictness. 

As another illustration on this topic, it may be observed, that children left 
exclusively to a mother's care, do, almost to a proverb, become more eminent. 
Why is this, but for a discipline — 'more anxious, careful, vigilant, earnest, and 
persevering? — for an example more pure, and more constantly before them for 



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imitation ; besides, I admit, more affectionately giving the 
upon line, and precept upon precept? 

But Education, as at first remarked, not being confined to infancy and youth, 
nor to the mind alone, — discipline should be extended to the whole life, and to 
the regulation of the tastes, the affections, the soul, and indeed, of the whole 
man. All are to be watched over and controlled. It is this more extensive 
training, with late as well as early, and rigid as well as constant practice, in 
what is taught, which, wherever introduced, proves so beneficial in aid of let- 
ters, and tends so strongly to unite "the judging head," with "the feeling heart." 
It is in youth, not the Spartan roughness and Spartan severity; but the tender 
caution — anxious, unslumbering solicitude, — and care-worn assiduity of pa- 
rental affection, — superadded to all that is done in the school-room. It is, in 
adult life, the embryo Republic in daily operation in the affairs of every dis- 
trict, militia company, and town meeting. 

These last much exceed in appropriate training, for all spheres of trial, the 
public assemblies of Athens, where the people listened only in thousands ; and 
less tranquilly, from their numbers, except to accomplished orators, like De- 
mosthenes, thundering from the bema against Philip: — or in Rome, still more 
tumultously, except to such speakers as the Gracchi, when from the ros- 
trum they assailed Patrician encroachments, "in thoughts that breathe, and 
words that burn.'' Our primary meetings are generally much smaller than 
theirs, and the persons who take a leading part in the business, are at the same 
time far more numerous. This tends to promote intelligence and practice, 
as well as order, peace and obedience. Thus it is, that over most ot our coun- 
try, the assembling of jurors, county courts, and conventions of all kinds — lit- 
erary and religious, as well as political, no less than of school districts, militia 
companies, and towns, in particular sections, are nurseries of both information 
and discipline. It is likewise conformity to laws and rules at the polls in elec- 
tions, and higher still, in our legislative assemblies, that is calculated to as- 
sist us. In short, it is the habit, daily, of individual self-control, and public 
self-government. It is the knowledge and practice of ruling, no less than sub- 
mitting; and thus self-respect is also increased — the dignity of our nature more 
highly appreciated, and the public taste elevated. 

This kind of education produces, likewise, a more fixed habit of submission 
to the reign of the law. What can be so vital here, where we justly exult in 
a government of laws ? Discipline obeys, even where it cannot always esteem or 
respect the agents and ministers of the law. Nor need impatience ever be 
evinced at legal restraints ; for, in submission to them, there is implied neither 
humiliation nor reproach. True, it is obedience; but it is obedience to what 
should be supreme over all — to law, which formed and sustains the universe; — 
law, which governs angels as well as men. When we violate such obligations, 
and those other laws which we ourselves have helped to enact, for ourselves — 
insubordination evinces not only a want of discipline, but a breach of compact. 
It is recantation — disloyalty — dishonor — wickedness. It is not resistance to ag- 
gression, or injustice — lawless force, or usurpation and tyranny : for that kind of 
resistance is rightful — it becomes a duty as well as being patriotism. But the 
vice or defect consists in yielding to false promptings of interest — to seductive 
passion or fanatical feeling; and then, under their undisciplined impulses, diso- 
beying, not what is wrong, but the lessons of experience, and the dictates of rea- 
son, no less than the requirements of our own legislation. These impulses, how- 
ever, can often be controlled, if not subdued, by firmer habits always to investi- 
gate before action, and then to do what the scrutiny shows to be just and honor- 
able. Thus we form a custom of pursuing another and a safer guide. The 
thoughtless and indiscriminating may stigmatize this kind of discipline as wear- 



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